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Soul Justice #1
Soul Sucker
Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement empath Ella Walsh sucks memories from people's heads. The job fills her mind with others' nightmares and leaves her with little time for love, but if she doesn't pair off with a mate of the government's choosing soon, the psychic blowback will destroy her powers and her sanity.
The last time shapeshifting SBLE superstar Vadim Morosov worked with an empath, he got her killed and himself assigned to a desk. He worries about taking on another partner, but helping Ella track down an empath killer might be his only chance to save his career.
Naturally, the government decides to throw them together.
They resist at first, but they can't deny the simmering heat between them. As the killer's strikes grow closer to home, their bond gets tighter. And when the murderer finally traps Ella, her developing link with Vadim might be the only thing that can save her.
86,000 words
The last time shapeshifting SBLE superstar Vadim Morosov worked with an empath, he got her killed and himself assigned to a desk. He worries about taking on another partner, but helping Ella track down an empath killer might be his only chance to save his career.
Naturally, the government decides to throw them together.
They resist at first, but they can't deny the simmering heat between them. As the killer's strikes grow closer to home, their bond gets tighter. And when the murderer finally traps Ella, her developing link with Vadim might be the only thing that can save her.
86,000 words
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2013
16 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Kate Pearce
169 books1,853 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 20, 2015
3.5 stars - Ella works for the San Francisco SBLE (supernatural law enforcement), using her emphathic powers to keep Otherwordly beings in check and to keep them secret by excising the memories of any humans who encounter them. As gatekeepers between the human and Otherworld, Empaths like Ella are of great value to both worlds but being an Empath (or Soul Sucker) is not a great thing for the Empath - any Empath not mated by their 27th birthday is destined to go insane or commit suicide from the weight of all of those memories.
So when Ella's next case turns out to be the death of a 27 year old Empath, the initial assumption about cause of death is suicide, but when Ella tries to read the Empath's last moments Ella finds nothing - no memories, just traces of a evil Otherworld male- and soon Ella is on the trail of a serial killer, the Siren, who is targeting Empaths who are close to their 'use by date' and Ella's own 27th birthday is only weeks away...
First of all, I loved the cover:) and I liked what was under the cover of Soul Sucker, which was a decent balance of Urban Fantasy (sans the first person POV) and Paranormal romance. I liked Ella, she is basically a decent person whose powers made for a crappy life - torn from her family as small child and forced into Empath training, and living her adult life without forming personal connections since she feels it's not fair to allow someone to fall in love with her when she's going to leave them by dying young.
There is also good sensual tension and a good conflict between Ella and Vadim - an SBLE agent from Russia who is in disgrace for falling to stop the Siren from taking out Empaths in his adopted country. Vadim blames the Empath on his team for his fall, though he ended up with the blame for her death when she succumbed to the end of life madness. I also liked Vadim, though if I had one nit with the story it is that we never find out exactly why he is trying to avoid the Otherworld and what his powers are, though we do finally get a pretty big hint of just exactly what he is - a nit which I will withdraw if it turns out that this is the start of a series and not a standalone story.
When I read Soul Sucker I didn't realize that Pearce is known more for her erotica - and I wouldn't have guessed from the sensuality level here, which was on the level of main stream PNR for spiciness - which is my preference but might disappoint some fans who were looking for 'more'.
So, I enjoyed Soul Sucker, like the leads, and the hunt for the killer, I thought that the wold held potential for more stories, which I'd happily read if Pearce decides to write more.
So when Ella's next case turns out to be the death of a 27 year old Empath, the initial assumption about cause of death is suicide, but when Ella tries to read the Empath's last moments Ella finds nothing - no memories, just traces of a evil Otherworld male- and soon Ella is on the trail of a serial killer, the Siren, who is targeting Empaths who are close to their 'use by date' and Ella's own 27th birthday is only weeks away...
First of all, I loved the cover:) and I liked what was under the cover of Soul Sucker, which was a decent balance of Urban Fantasy (sans the first person POV) and Paranormal romance. I liked Ella, she is basically a decent person whose powers made for a crappy life - torn from her family as small child and forced into Empath training, and living her adult life without forming personal connections since she feels it's not fair to allow someone to fall in love with her when she's going to leave them by dying young.
There is also good sensual tension and a good conflict between Ella and Vadim - an SBLE agent from Russia who is in disgrace for falling to stop the Siren from taking out Empaths in his adopted country. Vadim blames the Empath on his team for his fall, though he ended up with the blame for her death when she succumbed to the end of life madness. I also liked Vadim, though if I had one nit with the story it is that we never find out exactly why he is trying to avoid the Otherworld and what his powers are, though we do finally get a pretty big hint of just exactly what he is - a nit which I will withdraw if it turns out that this is the start of a series and not a standalone story.
When I read Soul Sucker I didn't realize that Pearce is known more for her erotica - and I wouldn't have guessed from the sensuality level here, which was on the level of main stream PNR for spiciness - which is my preference but might disappoint some fans who were looking for 'more'.
So, I enjoyed Soul Sucker, like the leads, and the hunt for the killer, I thought that the wold held potential for more stories, which I'd happily read if Pearce decides to write more.
May 15, 2013
**Review posted on my blog, http://www.myfictionnook.com/2013/06/...**
**3.5 Stars**
"Soul Sucker" reminded me of a lesser quality mashup of Slave to Sensation and PsyCop. It takes place in a world where empaths are the gatekeepers between our world and Otherworld, which is the world of the fae, shifters, trolls, goblins... you name it. The empaths can erase memories and they basically police the Otherworld species to make sure that they don't interfere with humans. However, all of that power comes with a price, and most empaths go insane following their 27th birthday unless they find a mate to share their psychic burden.
The premise itself is a little weak. The weird "Fae Web" that the fae get above their head when they are collecting information was a bit cheesy and silly. Also, the concept of having to take a mate so the empaths don't go crazy... yeah, a little forced for my liking. However, I think that the mystery and the concepts presented here are good ones. I thought the world-building was well done and not a total info dump like I sometimes see. Though I had trouble getting into this book in the beginning, by the last 30% I was fully engaged and couldn't put the book down. The romance could have used a bit more umph at times but it was a nice slow build and not insta-love, which I dug.
Am I going to remember it in a month? Maybe not. But I think that if you are into light urban fantasy, you will enjoy this book. It really was a fun reading experience.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
**3.5 Stars**
"Soul Sucker" reminded me of a lesser quality mashup of Slave to Sensation and PsyCop. It takes place in a world where empaths are the gatekeepers between our world and Otherworld, which is the world of the fae, shifters, trolls, goblins... you name it. The empaths can erase memories and they basically police the Otherworld species to make sure that they don't interfere with humans. However, all of that power comes with a price, and most empaths go insane following their 27th birthday unless they find a mate to share their psychic burden.
The premise itself is a little weak. The weird "Fae Web" that the fae get above their head when they are collecting information was a bit cheesy and silly. Also, the concept of having to take a mate so the empaths don't go crazy... yeah, a little forced for my liking. However, I think that the mystery and the concepts presented here are good ones. I thought the world-building was well done and not a total info dump like I sometimes see. Though I had trouble getting into this book in the beginning, by the last 30% I was fully engaged and couldn't put the book down. The romance could have used a bit more umph at times but it was a nice slow build and not insta-love, which I dug.
Am I going to remember it in a month? Maybe not. But I think that if you are into light urban fantasy, you will enjoy this book. It really was a fun reading experience.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
April 20, 2025
Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement empath Ella Walsh sucks memories from people’s heads. The job fills her mind with others’ nightmares and leaves her with little time for love, but if she doesn’t pair off with a mate of the government’s choosing soon, the psychic blowback will destroy her powers and her sanity. The last time shapeshifting SBLE superstar Vadim Morosov worked with an empath, he got her killed and himself assigned to a desk. Naturally, the government decides to throw them together.
I love the author’s books & so I took a chance on this urban fantasy with mystery & a bit of romance, this is not my usual genre at all & I was prepared to say “not for me” but I thoroughly enjoyed it & I was drawn in from the start, which I wasn’t expecting. Strong characters & a well paced story had the pages flying by. I really liked both Vadim & Ella, I liked the chemistry between them & how they worked together. I also enjoyed the mystery. I look forward to the next book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
I love the author’s books & so I took a chance on this urban fantasy with mystery & a bit of romance, this is not my usual genre at all & I was prepared to say “not for me” but I thoroughly enjoyed it & I was drawn in from the start, which I wasn’t expecting. Strong characters & a well paced story had the pages flying by. I really liked both Vadim & Ella, I liked the chemistry between them & how they worked together. I also enjoyed the mystery. I look forward to the next book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
May 11, 2013
Received from NetGalley
Rating: 3.5
Soul Sucker is a story about Ella Walsh a 26 years Empath, she can take your memories away. She works for Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement, where she tries to send creatures who break the laws back to Otherworld. Because she is an Empath, she doesn't have a long life line, because when Empath turns 27 they go insane, and most of the time commit suicide, and the only way to prevent it is to mate with someone that the government chooses for you. Ella is not a girl who will give up to government and mate to some random man. She come to except her future, it's not like she wants to die, she just wants to have a decision of her own. So if a big chance of going insane soon wasn't enough, now she also has a big case of catching a killer, who is killing of Empath's, but not just any, the ones she went to college with, she knows she is on his list too. She has to stop him before he kills all of them... Add to that, she got a sexy and cocky Vadim, who wants to help her out, more like needs to help her out, since if he doesn't solve the case and be professional about it, he will lose his job. He just has to catch a killer, and stay away from Ella. Well when Ella started to think about accepting her mate, she receives a letter about her future mate...and the last person she expected it to be was Vadim. She is so screwed. Now they have to find a killer and try to keep each other alive and employed(;
Soul Sucker is a story I enjoyed, it was a fast read, and there were some good parts...but there were some bad parts too... Well let's start with the good...I loved Ella, she was a character that really kick-ass, and her attitude, I mean who doesn't love a girl with a little bit of a sexy attitude? I also liked Vadim, he is one mysterious ball of sexiness, even though at times it was frustrating as hell because of all the secrecy, I still loved his character. He is also caring and he always tries to help, even when Ella is too blind to see it. I also love Vadim's partner, Alexei! I mean he was something...like a enemy but at the same time a friend. He was send with Vadim to solve the case and "look over" Vadim, okay well more like spy. Other characters were also pretty good. Now the bad... well I didn't really feel a lot of chemistry between Ella and Vadim. I felt like they were just with each other not because they wanted to, but because they have to. Also all of the secrecy about Vadim...I still don't get it? Like it didn't show anything resolving about him. Also the ending...I feel like it was to fast, like there should of been at least a couple more chapters. Anyways that is how I fell. I hope there will be a sequel to this book, because a lot of questions were left unanswered...
Overall the book wasn't bad but it wasn't great. Something I would recommend if you want a fast read. i feel like more people will like it more than me, well give it a try.
Rating: 3.5
Soul Sucker is a story about Ella Walsh a 26 years Empath, she can take your memories away. She works for Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement, where she tries to send creatures who break the laws back to Otherworld. Because she is an Empath, she doesn't have a long life line, because when Empath turns 27 they go insane, and most of the time commit suicide, and the only way to prevent it is to mate with someone that the government chooses for you. Ella is not a girl who will give up to government and mate to some random man. She come to except her future, it's not like she wants to die, she just wants to have a decision of her own. So if a big chance of going insane soon wasn't enough, now she also has a big case of catching a killer, who is killing of Empath's, but not just any, the ones she went to college with, she knows she is on his list too. She has to stop him before he kills all of them... Add to that, she got a sexy and cocky Vadim, who wants to help her out, more like needs to help her out, since if he doesn't solve the case and be professional about it, he will lose his job. He just has to catch a killer, and stay away from Ella. Well when Ella started to think about accepting her mate, she receives a letter about her future mate...and the last person she expected it to be was Vadim. She is so screwed. Now they have to find a killer and try to keep each other alive and employed(;
Soul Sucker is a story I enjoyed, it was a fast read, and there were some good parts...but there were some bad parts too... Well let's start with the good...I loved Ella, she was a character that really kick-ass, and her attitude, I mean who doesn't love a girl with a little bit of a sexy attitude? I also liked Vadim, he is one mysterious ball of sexiness, even though at times it was frustrating as hell because of all the secrecy, I still loved his character. He is also caring and he always tries to help, even when Ella is too blind to see it. I also love Vadim's partner, Alexei! I mean he was something...like a enemy but at the same time a friend. He was send with Vadim to solve the case and "look over" Vadim, okay well more like spy. Other characters were also pretty good. Now the bad... well I didn't really feel a lot of chemistry between Ella and Vadim. I felt like they were just with each other not because they wanted to, but because they have to. Also all of the secrecy about Vadim...I still don't get it? Like it didn't show anything resolving about him. Also the ending...I feel like it was to fast, like there should of been at least a couple more chapters. Anyways that is how I fell. I hope there will be a sequel to this book, because a lot of questions were left unanswered...
Overall the book wasn't bad but it wasn't great. Something I would recommend if you want a fast read. i feel like more people will like it more than me, well give it a try.
April 20, 2013
4 stars
I am a big fan of Kate Pearce and I really liked her House of Pleasure series. I picked Soul Sucker because I want to read her other work and surprisingly, I found that I enjoyed it. I was lured to this book because of the blurb and I read the excerpt too!
The romance is really good enough, I liked the feelings Ella and Vadim shared together. But the element of mystery is the reason that got me hooked, couldn't put this book down and stayed out late at night to finish it. It triggered my curiosity and to be frank, that curiosity isn't being answered with satisfaction that I wanted. The story also got me confused a lot. Really need something to fix that, eh? I want more. I think the puzzles aren't exactly solved properly. Yeah?
Here's why. I learnt about Ella Walsh and she is definitely stubborn to the core but I liked her because she's an interesting person for the throughout of my reading but not her mate, Vadim Morosov. He is a very secretive and it was frustrating as hell because even though he gave out some hints, Ella might somehow figure it out at some point but I, as a reader, I'd rather he'd just tell me of all his damn secrets instead left me with whatever crap assumptions I have. Besides, I'd like to know more not just about him but his Otherworld, his families, friends, and acquaintances. Even his enemies!
Overall, it was a good read and even if it stays as a stand alone novel, I'm good with that. Although, of course, I'd appreciate and loved this book to have its sequel. Please do Ms. Pearce!
Read on your own peril.
I am a big fan of Kate Pearce and I really liked her House of Pleasure series. I picked Soul Sucker because I want to read her other work and surprisingly, I found that I enjoyed it. I was lured to this book because of the blurb and I read the excerpt too!
The romance is really good enough, I liked the feelings Ella and Vadim shared together. But the element of mystery is the reason that got me hooked, couldn't put this book down and stayed out late at night to finish it. It triggered my curiosity and to be frank, that curiosity isn't being answered with satisfaction that I wanted. The story also got me confused a lot. Really need something to fix that, eh? I want more. I think the puzzles aren't exactly solved properly. Yeah?
Here's why. I learnt about Ella Walsh and she is definitely stubborn to the core but I liked her because she's an interesting person for the throughout of my reading but not her mate, Vadim Morosov. He is a very secretive and it was frustrating as hell because even though he gave out some hints, Ella might somehow figure it out at some point but I, as a reader, I'd rather he'd just tell me of all his damn secrets instead left me with whatever crap assumptions I have. Besides, I'd like to know more not just about him but his Otherworld, his families, friends, and acquaintances. Even his enemies!
Overall, it was a good read and even if it stays as a stand alone novel, I'm good with that. Although, of course, I'd appreciate and loved this book to have its sequel. Please do Ms. Pearce!
Read on your own peril.
May 14, 2013
Ella is an empath working for the Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement. It's her job to make sure the fae living amongst humans behave themselves and if a human should happen to stumble upon one to remove those memories. But the price of being an empath is that the psychic power she wields will eventually engulf her and send her insane.
Vadim is fae and that's about all Ella can work out. He lives in the human world and works for the SBLE. He is sent to help Ella and her team track down a serial killer who is killing empaths by sucking their minds dry. If they can't find the killer Vadim will be sent back to other world and certain death.
With Vadim facing an uncertain future if they fail and Ella facing the insanity which will take her over after her 27th birthday both have nothing to lose. But there are forces manipulating them from the shadows.
I liked Soul Sucker a lot. It was pretty good urban fantasy and managed to hold my attention till the end. It's not perfect...Kate Pearce spends a fair bit of time setting up story arcs which end up going nowhere, and one biggie is ultimately resolved in a few short sentences. Still definitely worth the effort.
Vadim is fae and that's about all Ella can work out. He lives in the human world and works for the SBLE. He is sent to help Ella and her team track down a serial killer who is killing empaths by sucking their minds dry. If they can't find the killer Vadim will be sent back to other world and certain death.
With Vadim facing an uncertain future if they fail and Ella facing the insanity which will take her over after her 27th birthday both have nothing to lose. But there are forces manipulating them from the shadows.
I liked Soul Sucker a lot. It was pretty good urban fantasy and managed to hold my attention till the end. It's not perfect...Kate Pearce spends a fair bit of time setting up story arcs which end up going nowhere, and one biggie is ultimately resolved in a few short sentences. Still definitely worth the effort.
January 31, 2018
What a wonderful world Ms. Pearce has devised. Ella and Vadim and crew kept me rapt for the entire book. Great characters, excellent world building, plenty of action.
September 6, 2020
DNFed at 39% because I could not with the unwitting misogyny. Young women are being killed by a serial killer. Mothers are horrible, pushy and selfish. Sisters and sisters-in-law are pushy and selfish. Women supposedly talk too much while men are quieter. (““Would you like to come out into the yard and meet my father and brothers? They’re much quieter.” “Like most men.”)
Plus, the hero accuses the heroine of professional incompetence, for absolutely no reason, and then stares at her breasts in a work setting. I don’t think that’s a cute difference of opinion, I think that’s a gross guy who doesn’t deserve a love connection.
And a world in which women *must* mate by the age of 27 or go crazy and die? Nope.
Plus, the hero accuses the heroine of professional incompetence, for absolutely no reason, and then stares at her breasts in a work setting. I don’t think that’s a cute difference of opinion, I think that’s a gross guy who doesn’t deserve a love connection.
And a world in which women *must* mate by the age of 27 or go crazy and die? Nope.
April 7, 2013
Ella is an empath nearing her 27th birthday. In this world empaths act as a gatekeeper for the Otherworld and will go crazy if they are not mated to their chosen partner by that fateful birthday. She's always known this and has decided she wants no part of government enforced mating so is living her life on her own terms. She's very distrustful of people since her own upbringing was less that perfect due to being taken from her family to the empath school when she was only 5 years old. Her family treats her like a ticking time bomb and while I think they do mean well they don't really understand her and make her feel like an outsider. She's drawn in to a case where other empaths are being murdered and their entire essence has been removed by an unknown intruder. As she investigates this case she ends up being drawn to a man who keeps most of what he is locked down behind shields and has an ability to push her buttons like no one else has ever gotten close to doing.
Vadim is a mystery through most of this book and he isn't completely explained even at the end. He's not looking forward to having to work with another empath but sucks it up to do his job. He's very prickly and doesn't want to be around Ella but as he gets to spend more time with her he is drawn to her strength and also to the soft side he sees. He has his own secrets but when push comes to shove is willing to face some of his issues just to save her. He ends up finding his other half and while their ride is bumpy as hell it is fun. When he makes a decision he sticks with it even if it could backfire on him completely if she doesn't let her own walls down. He's such an Alpha when it comes to her but really does an amazing job keeping that under control even with her insane prodding.
I have to say I enjoyed the world that was created in this and would love to see more stories about the SBLE. We have a world with shape shifters, Fae, trolls, and many other supernatural beings who are held in check by humans that happen to have a little extra something. I'd love to see more of the agency especially if it meant I got to see more of Ella and Vadim. I can only imagine them having kids and the insanity that would bring.
Special thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for giving me the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
Vadim is a mystery through most of this book and he isn't completely explained even at the end. He's not looking forward to having to work with another empath but sucks it up to do his job. He's very prickly and doesn't want to be around Ella but as he gets to spend more time with her he is drawn to her strength and also to the soft side he sees. He has his own secrets but when push comes to shove is willing to face some of his issues just to save her. He ends up finding his other half and while their ride is bumpy as hell it is fun. When he makes a decision he sticks with it even if it could backfire on him completely if she doesn't let her own walls down. He's such an Alpha when it comes to her but really does an amazing job keeping that under control even with her insane prodding.
I have to say I enjoyed the world that was created in this and would love to see more stories about the SBLE. We have a world with shape shifters, Fae, trolls, and many other supernatural beings who are held in check by humans that happen to have a little extra something. I'd love to see more of the agency especially if it meant I got to see more of Ella and Vadim. I can only imagine them having kids and the insanity that would bring.
Special thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for giving me the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
May 17, 2013
Reviewed for TwoLips Reviews, LLC
4 Kisses, 1 Pepper (M/F, graphic sex)
As an empath, Ella Walsh is no stranger to things that go bump in the night. She works for the Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement, or SBLE, and is a first responder whenever a regular citizen sees or experiences some weird supernatural occurrence. That monster under your bed? Yeah, it's not just your imagination.
Ella is almost twenty-seven years old, which means she's almost at the end of her career as an empath for SBLE. Much longer and it will be more than her psyche can handle without losing it. For most empaths, as they approach their twenty-seventh birthday, they have to choose between accepting a mate that the government selects for them, or going crazy. For an independent woman like Ella, that choice is not as easy as it would appear.
Our hero, Vadim Morosov, is a shifter sent from Russia to help Ella's team catch a serial killer. He's had a bad experience with an empath, so he's reluctant to trust Ella. He's also not very keen on divulging much information about himself, so he doesn't immediately inspire her trust either. This adds a nice sense of mystery to the story, as readers and characters alike wait to learn just who and what he is.
Ella is headstrong, independent, prickly, accustomed to keeping everyone at arm's length, impulsive and somewhat reckless because she resists accepting help from anyone, often preferring to go off on her own. She was ripped from a normal life at a very young age, so she has trouble trusting people. The fact thather job has filled her brain with other people's nightmares has had a negative effect on her interpersonal skills. Fortunately, Vadim lends her the strength and stability she needs, and gives her balance.
This was an interesting book, and I'd like to see a sequel or maybe a series coming from this. At times, it kind of has a Men In Black feel, which definitely appeals to me. When the human government realized they couldn't keep Otherworld beings from entering the human dimension, they decided it would be best to try and regulate it. It's sort of an immigration policy for creepy creatures. Overall, Soul Sucker was a captivating read written with Kate Pearce's brilliant flair for storytelling.
4 Kisses, 1 Pepper (M/F, graphic sex)
As an empath, Ella Walsh is no stranger to things that go bump in the night. She works for the Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement, or SBLE, and is a first responder whenever a regular citizen sees or experiences some weird supernatural occurrence. That monster under your bed? Yeah, it's not just your imagination.
Ella is almost twenty-seven years old, which means she's almost at the end of her career as an empath for SBLE. Much longer and it will be more than her psyche can handle without losing it. For most empaths, as they approach their twenty-seventh birthday, they have to choose between accepting a mate that the government selects for them, or going crazy. For an independent woman like Ella, that choice is not as easy as it would appear.
Our hero, Vadim Morosov, is a shifter sent from Russia to help Ella's team catch a serial killer. He's had a bad experience with an empath, so he's reluctant to trust Ella. He's also not very keen on divulging much information about himself, so he doesn't immediately inspire her trust either. This adds a nice sense of mystery to the story, as readers and characters alike wait to learn just who and what he is.
Ella is headstrong, independent, prickly, accustomed to keeping everyone at arm's length, impulsive and somewhat reckless because she resists accepting help from anyone, often preferring to go off on her own. She was ripped from a normal life at a very young age, so she has trouble trusting people. The fact thather job has filled her brain with other people's nightmares has had a negative effect on her interpersonal skills. Fortunately, Vadim lends her the strength and stability she needs, and gives her balance.
This was an interesting book, and I'd like to see a sequel or maybe a series coming from this. At times, it kind of has a Men In Black feel, which definitely appeals to me. When the human government realized they couldn't keep Otherworld beings from entering the human dimension, they decided it would be best to try and regulate it. It's sort of an immigration policy for creepy creatures. Overall, Soul Sucker was a captivating read written with Kate Pearce's brilliant flair for storytelling.
April 16, 2021
This was fun enough if you don't look too close, but on close inspection there's so many places make you go "wait, why didn't they just...."
Some things worked well, others felt like we were supposed to think they were cute but they were actually troubling. Realistically so, in fact a lot of the concerning parts were actually the best written parts. Secondary characters were either woefully underused or too inconsistent. I somewhat liked it in spite of all this, so something went right. Pacing of the murder plot was good, and i did like
Some things worked well, others felt like we were supposed to think they were cute but they were actually troubling. Realistically so, in fact a lot of the concerning parts were actually the best written parts. Secondary characters were either woefully underused or too inconsistent. I somewhat liked it in spite of all this, so something went right. Pacing of the murder plot was good, and i did like
May 16, 2013
Great read. I loved that fact that I wasn't able to figure out who the killer was at right away and had to follow the puzzle pieces just like our hero and heroine. That cast of characters that led aid to Vadim our hero and Ella our heroine are entertaining as well. Vadim is dark and broody and Ella is ready to give him a run for his money. Even if you aren’t a paranormal fan I believe you can enjoy this heated (great sexual tension and hot scenes) and enchanting story. I didn’t want it to end!
July 25, 2013
I finally got a chance to sit down and enjoy this book. Kate Pearce never disappoints, so I'm not surprised that "Soul Sucker" was superb.
Ella is a fantastic heroine-strong, mouthy and sexy. Vadim is hot and appropriately broody. I loved the part of the book where he gets all possessive in front of a wolf pack!
The world building is awesome. The characters are complex and interesting. If you like paranormals with a great plots, you'll like this.
Ella is a fantastic heroine-strong, mouthy and sexy. Vadim is hot and appropriately broody. I loved the part of the book where he gets all possessive in front of a wolf pack!
The world building is awesome. The characters are complex and interesting. If you like paranormals with a great plots, you'll like this.
June 20, 2013
Freaking amazing. It's one of a kind. You fall in love with the characters. The writing is amazing. The action and romance balance each other and you get the best of both world. The supernatural nature is so refreshing and new I love it. I want more. You will love it for sure. A must read.
July 28, 2025
This is a truly creative paranormal story that is closely tied to to the next book Soul Bringer. I found it a unique take on the romantasy genre. Ella Walsh is an empath who works in the Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement, SBLE. Her team is investigating mysterious deaths by a supernatural serial killer. They find themselves aided by a duo from the Russian Branch, Vadim Morosov and Alexi who are also investigating empath deaths that seem to be the work of the same serial killer. The story follows Ella Walsh and Vadim Morosov, who is more than just a shapeshifter. Kate gives us many clues to follow with the team of well developed characters. This world is richly textured and fascinating to read.
Ella Walsh is a twenty-six year old empath who at first is hard to care about. She's abrasive and she pushes almost everyone away, keeping them at a distance. All empaths die soon after their 27th birthday if they don't have a mate selected for them by the Otherworld Community Outreach Services, OCOS. You can tell she's living for the moments she has left. She felt her family abandoned her at the empath boarding school at a very young age. Ella is a month away from her birthday and plans to kill herself rather than go mad or someone else choose her mate.
Vadim Morosov is a shapeshifter but seem so much more. He was on leave because his former failed mission tracking an empath serial killer. His boss blames him for the failure. He is called back when the kill reappears in the States. His partner is an almost full fae Alexei. Alexei is also charged with informing the home office of how Vadim is performing. They join Ella's team to take catch this killer who has become very elusive. Vadim and Ella find themselves constantly sniping at each other but under it all they are drawn to each other. Once they quit fighting they are electric together. Kate weaves a complex story around these two complicated characters to make a fascinating story . The next book continues their love story exploring Vadim's side of the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ella Walsh is a twenty-six year old empath who at first is hard to care about. She's abrasive and she pushes almost everyone away, keeping them at a distance. All empaths die soon after their 27th birthday if they don't have a mate selected for them by the Otherworld Community Outreach Services, OCOS. You can tell she's living for the moments she has left. She felt her family abandoned her at the empath boarding school at a very young age. Ella is a month away from her birthday and plans to kill herself rather than go mad or someone else choose her mate.
Vadim Morosov is a shapeshifter but seem so much more. He was on leave because his former failed mission tracking an empath serial killer. His boss blames him for the failure. He is called back when the kill reappears in the States. His partner is an almost full fae Alexei. Alexei is also charged with informing the home office of how Vadim is performing. They join Ella's team to take catch this killer who has become very elusive. Vadim and Ella find themselves constantly sniping at each other but under it all they are drawn to each other. Once they quit fighting they are electric together. Kate weaves a complex story around these two complicated characters to make a fascinating story . The next book continues their love story exploring Vadim's side of the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 30, 2025
Kate Pearce brings us the first story in the Soul Justice series. We meet Ella Walsh, an empath with the Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement or SBLE as she goes around dealing with the nightmares of the city. As she approaches her 27th birthday, she is reminded that she needs to find a mate or slowly go crazy. Meanwhile, shapeshifter Vadim Morosov has been dispatched to help Ella on a case of an empath killer. When they meet, there is instant dislike between them. Being forced to work together may just give them the chance to see that there is more than their first impressions of each other. Will they be able to stand working together long enough to catch the killer? Was that first moment instant dislike or something altogether different?
Kate Pearce brings us a story of mystery, intrigue, tension set in the paranormal world with a sprinkling of sexiness. I enjoyed the banter between Ella and Vadim as they first set off on their individual quests but have to actually work together to make things work. And as time starts running out for both of them, will they have enough courage to take that leap that might ultimately save them? As they try to figure each other out, the readers do get nuggets of truth about them and their backstory. I look forward to reading the next installment of this series.
I have read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank Kate Pearce for this privilege.
Kate Pearce brings us a story of mystery, intrigue, tension set in the paranormal world with a sprinkling of sexiness. I enjoyed the banter between Ella and Vadim as they first set off on their individual quests but have to actually work together to make things work. And as time starts running out for both of them, will they have enough courage to take that leap that might ultimately save them? As they try to figure each other out, the readers do get nuggets of truth about them and their backstory. I look forward to reading the next installment of this series.
I have read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank Kate Pearce for this privilege.
April 27, 2025
When we meet Ella Walsh, empathic agent of the Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement, San Francisco office, she is just shy of her 27th birthday. This is important because if empaths aren't mated by their 27th birthday, they're doomed to death-by-madness. Empaths in her age group are being stalked by an Otherworld serial killer. It's up to Ella along with her good friend and fellow SBLE SF, Liz, to find the killer. Enter Vadim Morosov, SBLE Moscow agent, and his partner, Alexei who are called to San Francisco to help Ella and Liz.
Liz and Alexei, are both Fae, and their powers mesh well together. But it's not clear how they help with solving any crime. Vadim is from Otherworld, but Ella can't quite figure out what he is. Their attraction is instant, but Ella doesn't want a mate. She's willing to take her chances with the madness. After a failed mission in Moscow, Vadim can't afford to lose another empath.
Pearce does well with her world building. But Vadim's powers weren't fully explained other than a random picture of a bird in flight it was hard to understand what he really brought to the table. Entertaining read, but not one of my favorites from Pearce.
I was given a copy of this book for my unbiased opinion.
Liz and Alexei, are both Fae, and their powers mesh well together. But it's not clear how they help with solving any crime. Vadim is from Otherworld, but Ella can't quite figure out what he is. Their attraction is instant, but Ella doesn't want a mate. She's willing to take her chances with the madness. After a failed mission in Moscow, Vadim can't afford to lose another empath.
Pearce does well with her world building. But Vadim's powers weren't fully explained other than a random picture of a bird in flight it was hard to understand what he really brought to the table. Entertaining read, but not one of my favorites from Pearce.
I was given a copy of this book for my unbiased opinion.
May 26, 2018
Really felt as if I was plunged into an alternate universe without sufficient background. According to my records, this is the first book by Pearce that I have ever read and I do not know if there is an earlier series which does the world-building, but I really needed this world to be built a sooner than it eventually was.
However, I enjoyed the characters and the story, once I got a handle on the world. However, the story ended abruptly without a conclusion, leaving me feeling volume 2 in the series will pick up where this one left off and that just ticks me off.
I despise cliffhanger endings because that tells me the author is more invested in the series than doing a great job with this story at hand.
However, I enjoyed the characters and the story, once I got a handle on the world. However, the story ended abruptly without a conclusion, leaving me feeling volume 2 in the series will pick up where this one left off and that just ticks me off.
I despise cliffhanger endings because that tells me the author is more invested in the series than doing a great job with this story at hand.
July 8, 2018
I made it 30% before giving up on this one. I sort of liked Ella, liked that she was confident, but it left her with a huge chip on her shoulder. Part of me can she was she has the chip with her impending crazy coming on at 27, but Ella is ignoring that fact, sort of like an ostrich with it's head in the sand. The people that Ella works with seem like they are treating her with kid gloves as she approaches her crazy date, even as they want her to keep working hard. Vadim rubs me wrong from the first time he appeared on the page, not sure why, just he does. As it seems like Ella and Vadim are set to end up together I have a hard time buying into them as a couple. This one just isn't for me.
April 18, 2025
A mystery, an urban fantasy and a little bit of romance for this first story in the Soul Sucker series. Ella is headstrong and prickly, most likely as a result of a family who doesn't appreciate her "gifts" and the separation she feels due to being taken from her home at the age of 5. Vadim is secretive about his personal life and evasive about his reasons for being in the US outside of the obvious which is to help find a serial killer. The situation seems grim: approaching her own 27th year and knowing the consequences of not being mated, Ella finds herself in a rabbithole of secrets, taunts and unhelpful "help" from those she should be able to trust. The serial killer is running around taking those in her graduating class and she is one of the few remaining alive.
February 15, 2026
I have been reading a lot of other types of fiction recently and I swung back to paranormal romance again. Not sure I was ready. It all seems so much a formula now. Gorgeous pissy hero, check. Bitchy I mean sassy heroine who dresses independently, check. He has trust issues, check. She is the definition of stubborn without reason, check. No one speaks the truth for reasons, check. The story and world building was okay. The murder mystery serial killer plot was just filler. Everything felt a little flat. The sex was meh. It's all just meh. And no shade on Kate Pearce, she's awesome. I think with all that is going on in the world and being menopausal I just can't even anymore.
April 29, 2025
Rerelease for this urban fantasy romance novel
Ella is pretty good at reading people and make them do what she wants, especially if they are “otherworld“, because she’s an empath. The only person she’s not really albe to fully read is Vadim, her new partner. But that’s not her priority because a serial killer is targeting empaths and should she not be the next .. well age will kill her for empaths belong to a “Club 27” as well unless they find a mate to keep them sane.
Get ready to be sucked ( pun intended) into this world of powerful beings, strong emotions and extreme sensuality in pure Kate Pearce style.
We will see more of Ella and Vadim in book two.
Ella is pretty good at reading people and make them do what she wants, especially if they are “otherworld“, because she’s an empath. The only person she’s not really albe to fully read is Vadim, her new partner. But that’s not her priority because a serial killer is targeting empaths and should she not be the next .. well age will kill her for empaths belong to a “Club 27” as well unless they find a mate to keep them sane.
Get ready to be sucked ( pun intended) into this world of powerful beings, strong emotions and extreme sensuality in pure Kate Pearce style.
We will see more of Ella and Vadim in book two.
February 2, 2019
Your average paranormal romantic investigative thriller. (Did I ever think I'd read enough of these to say this with confidence?) Less kinky and erotic than some of Pearce's other work and cheerier in tone, despite the dark subject matter.
May 18, 2017
Good modern day fairytale
The heroine was a strong independent women. The old fairytale, enriched with new adult ideas and problems. Easy to get lost in the story line.
The heroine was a strong independent women. The old fairytale, enriched with new adult ideas and problems. Easy to get lost in the story line.
July 18, 2017
Interesting concept and highly readable, but just didn't feel fully developed.
October 15, 2017
I liked this a lot more than I thought I was going to. The writing was very charming and it was really nice hanging out with this book for a couple of hours and a cold, gloomy day I guess.
October 17, 2017
*3.5*
SOUL SUCKER suffers from an unfortunate title (and even more unfortunate cover art), however it really was a fun read, with interesting world building and a likable main character.
SOUL SUCKER suffers from an unfortunate title (and even more unfortunate cover art), however it really was a fun read, with interesting world building and a likable main character.
September 22, 2018
1.5 Stars
August 8, 2020
Terrible name, but quite an entertaining paranormal mystery-romance. Cheated ever slightly with the mystery, but the quality of the characters appeased me.
November 9, 2020
This one was cute and sassy with a serial killer thrown in for fun. And of course it wouldn't be a Kate Pearce without some steamy romance too.
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